ISLAMABAD: Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance institution, has strengthened its position as a pioneer in sustainable banking by successfully concluding an external training program focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
Designed specifically for its leadership team, this intensive training equipped decision-makers with the essential knowledge and skills to embed ESG principles at the core of their operations.
Part of the VEON group, a global digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six dynamic markets, Mobilink Bank organized the training in Islamabad.
Conducted by Zero Point Partners, a prominent environmental consultancy, the program was led by Maha Qasim, Founder and CEO, and Aliza Aijaz, Senior Associate. Both are experts in providing strategic guidance to banks on initiatives such as GHG emissions management, net zero goal-setting, decarbonization planning, impact assessment, ESG reporting, and gender mainstreaming.
Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Interim CEO of Mobilink Bank, emphasized the importance of ESG principles in navigating the evolving digital and financial landscape. “Our commitment to social responsibility and sustainable growth is reinforced by equipping ourselves with a solid ESG foundation,” he remarked. He highlighted the ‘Change to Sustain’ program, focusing on sustainability through initiatives like providing clean energy access to communities vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly women, farmers, and small businesses.
Aamir Ibrahim, Chairman of Mobilink Bank, underscored their mission to enhance lives through technology while preserving the environment. He emphasized the bank’s adoption of eco-friendly practices and energy efficiency measures, aiming to conserve natural resources and minimize waste. Ibrahim also noted their proactive stance on climate change by promoting gender-intentional green financing, particularly in solar applications for agriculture.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, commended Mobilink Bank’s sustainability efforts, which align with national goals. She emphasized that robust ESG practices are essential for organizational success and societal well-being in the long term.
Mobilink Bank’s commitment to ESG principles is exemplified by its ‘Change to Sustain’ program, which includes a significant PKR 1.7 billion solar financing portfolio dedicated to SMEs and women. The bank aims to expand this commitment to PKR 2.5 billion by the end of 2024, marking significant strides towards a more sustainable future.
